Hybrid or Imitation?

NAC cataloging is usually above question, but I’m going to need some die links to convince me that this is actually a hybrid and not an ancient imitation. I agree with what ever ancient decided to cut it open to check it’s purity. It looks a wee bit fishy as an authentic product of the Roman mint. (Although I acknowledge controls on the style of dies isn’t particularly strong at the mint) It’s an interesting specimen either way!